Vermeer has introduced HG6800TX, a new horizontal grinder, during the CONEXPO show in Las Vegas. With a new infeed design to aid in feeding larger material such as whole trees, the new grinder is "built to power through tough materials" with less operator interaction.

US-based agricultural, wood processing and tree-care equipment manufacturer Vermeer has introduced a new horizontal grinder during the CONEXPO show in Las Vegas, Nevada. The new HG6800TX horizontal grinder features a 950 hp (708 kW) in a 92,000 lb (41,730.5 kg) class, and together with a new infeed design to aid in feeding larger material such as whole trees, the new grinder is “built to power through tough materials” with less operator interaction.
– The HG6800TX is designed for large-scale land-clearing contractors to help maximize productivity and efficiency.The feed roller on this machine can climb up to 50” (127 cm) to help tackle the tough material elements that land-clearing contractors often come across, said Jeff Bradley, Product Manager for Recycling and Forestry equipment at Vermeer adding that full details will be made available the coming months.
New design features
According to Vermeer, the new infeed on the HG6800TX was designed with low sidewalls to help the operator more easily load material into the machine. This feature allows larger loads to be dropped on the infeed with less interaction and manipulation of the material, so the operator can drop the load and focus on the next one.
The HG6800TX features the patented Series III duplex hard-faced drum. In addition to providing long-lasting durability, maintenance time is decreased with the ability to remove and flip or replace single hammers, as well as being able to externally balance the drum
The remote control puts the machine control menu and machine operating information at the user’s fingertips so operators can monitor machine health from the loader cab.
With the optional Damage Defense system, contractors who deal with contaminated wood can help protect their equipment by reducing the likelihood of major machine damage caused by certain metal contaminants entering the hammermill. The system reacts to the initial contact of metal by reversing the feed system to allow for removal.
The HG6800TX also features proven Vermeer technologies like SmartFeed and the patented Thrown Object Deflector (TOD). SmartFeed optimizes machine performance and production electronically and allows the operator to focus on loading raw product and move finished product about the worksite. The function stops and reverses material from feeding into the hammermill when engine rpm’s drop below efficient operating range.
The patented TOD decreases the quantity and distance of thrown objects, allowing the machine to be operated in a smaller “safe” work zone. The feature is hinged and can be raised or lowered depending upon grinding applications, with the remote control.